DC office complex row: Green Tribunal directs Dist. Admn to secure Forest Dept approval

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 3, 2016: Deputy Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim has informed that the Chennai Bench of the National Green Tribunal has given a go ahead to the proposal of constructing a DC office complex at Padil after duly securing the Forest Department clearance. The site of the proposed complex is in the Forest Department limits.

Speaking to reporters here on February 2, Tuesday, he said the Bench had earlier directed the administration not to cut down trees, but in its ruling on January 27 has asked the administration to seek the Forest Department permission to fell the trees in the areas.

Refuting the claims of petitioners that as many as 477 trees need to be felled to facilitate the project, the DC said only 386 trees have been identified for the purpose. He further stated that the final decision regarding felling of trees will be taken by the Forest Department after surveying the land.

Ibrahim informed that the DC Office Complex will be constructed at a cost of Rs 41 crores. Tenders have been finalised, he said and added that the complex will have 38 government offices.

He also made it clear that it was planned to shift the DC office considering the traffic congestion in the present location.